The Cairn
This cairn was built by the late Murdo Nicolson of Portree and dedicated by the Clan Chief in 1989. Incorporated within the stones of this cairn is a stone taken from the ruins of the old house of Scorrybreac during the First World War by Norman Alexander Nicolson, the grandfather of our present Chief, and returned by the present Chief’s father, Iain MacNeacail, from his home in Australia. On the cairn is a plaque inscribed with the names of those clanspeople from around the world who contributed to the land purchase in 1987 and to the subsequent maintenance work.
The Nicolson Nose Stone
Take a look behind the cairn – can you spot the curious stone that seems to exemplify a characteristic of many Nicolsons – the “Nicolson Nose”?
The Iain MacNeacail Viewpoint and Memorial
The Breathtaking View
As you stand with your back to the cairn, you have a magnificent view looking over Portree Loch south towards the Cuillin Hills 20 miles to the south. To your left across the Loch rises the summit of Ben Tianavaig, and to your right is the harbour of Portree with its painted cottages. The four seats were dedicated by clan members to Lady Dorothy Nicolson, Ian Ferguson Nicolson, John Hurt Nicholson, and Lady Juliet Nicholson.
The Murray & Barbara Nicolson Stone Bench
On October 4, 2024, members of the Clan assembled at the land to raise the flag to open the 2024 International Gathering, and to unveil the new stone bench honoring Dr. Alexander Murray Nicolson and his wife Barbara, for their lifetime of work to have the Clan and Clan Chief officially recognized, and for the arrangement for the purchase of the Scorrybreac Clan lands we hold so dear. The bench was commissioned by Urras Clann MhicNeacail and overseen by Chieftain Donnie Nicolson. Assisting the chief with the unveiling are Donnie Nicolson and Edward Nicolson, the son of Murray and Barbara.
